Jip Schalkx Wins Female in Focus People's Choice Award for Image on Digital Isolation
At the age of 28, Dutch photographer Jip Schalkx has secured the People's Choice Award in this year's Female in Focus prize, which carries the theme 'On the Cusp.' Her photograph, titled 4ever &ver &ver, offers a critical perspective on how technology affects social connections, showcasing six girls wearing headphones. Sponsored by Nikon and organized by the British Journal of Photography, the award emphasizes the challenges young individuals face with social media. Schalkx's artistic exploration of algorithmic effects on communication stems from her internship in Barcelona. Her work includes video segments featuring a TikTok-style dance and an AI-generated monologue, along with Cloud9, a series of mirror portraits that investigate the interplay between digital and physical identities. The Female in Focus exhibition is on display at the International Centre for the Image until 25 October 2026.
Key facts
- Jip Schalkx won the People's Choice Award in the 2026 Female in Focus prize, themed 'On the Cusp'.
- The winning image, 4ever &ver &ver, shows six girls lying together with headphones on.
- The prize is organised by British Journal of Photography and sponsored by Nikon.
- The image is part of a video piece with a soundscape including clips from Palestine protests, TikTok 'vampire sleep' influencers, and Kylie Jenner.
- Schalkx's work draws on Guy Debord's The Society of the Spectacle and critiques algorithmic influence on communication.
- A second video features choreography by Ūla Naujokaitytė based on TikTok-style movements.
- A third video stars Victor in a monologue at a bus stop, with a script written using AI.
- Cloud9 is a series of mirror portraits printed on glass, exhibited alongside the videos.
- Female in Focus is on view at International Centre for the Image until 25 October 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Jip Schalkx
- Ūla Naujokaitytė
- Victor
- Kylie Jenner
- Guy Debord
- Cory Doctorow
Institutions
- British Journal of Photography
- Nikon
- Nikon Northern Europe
- Female in Focus
- International Centre for the Image
- Tumblr
- TikTok
Locations
- Netherlands
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Palestine